Staying on the bit

[[114608]]

I have just started riding an 8 year old that hasn't done loads in terms of dressage before. She will go onto the bit and I am able to balance her using half halts and bring her round onto the bit, however it will feel great only for a few seconds and then she will drop me. I feel like to keep it consistent I have to continually nag with my leg and capture the energy with the outside rein. It just feels like a continual circle. Am I being unfair to expect her to stay on the bit continually at this stage? Or should I just continue to correct her and expect her to not be able to stay on the bit the whole time? Maybe getting her to go more forward from my leg in the gait will help firstly? How can I ensure that I am teaching her to be accountable for the way she carries herself?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[EQUIDAE]

It is a continual dialogue with the horse - it's not nagging, it's communication. As she gets stronger she will be able to maintain self carriage - if she hasn't done much, expecting more than a few strides in a frame is asking a bit much. Also have a look at how you are riding and ensure you aren't actually blocking her.

 

[[114608]]

Ok thanks for your thoughts. I totally agree that I should make sure I'm riding properly and not blocking her, usually the issue is us! I will get an instructor very soon to make sure

It is a continual dialogue with the horse - it's not nagging, it's communication. As she gets stronger she will be able to maintain self carriage - if she hasn't done much, expecting more than a few strides in a frame is asking a bit much. Also have a look at how you are riding and ensure you aren't actually blocking her.

 

[EQUIDAE]

Ok thanks for your thoughts. I totally agree that I should make sure I'm riding properly and not blocking her, usually the issue is us! I will get an instructor very soon to make sure

I don't mean riding her badly but you may be that focused on everything you need to do to keep her forward and round that it is causing you to tense up a little.

 

[LeannePip]

I fin as they are learning you 1) have to find the balance between asking again every time they drop you and nagging, and 2) being consistent with the way you are asking. It feels like your working a lot but slowly the periods at which she can sustain it become longer and its in these moments you can be quiet

 

[[114608]]

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[[114608]]

I don't mean riding her badly but you may be that focused on everything you need to do to keep her forward and round that it is causing you to tense up a little.

Yeh I know what you mean and I do feel like that a lot of the time and have to remind myself to loosen up and allow myself to go with the horse as the aim is to move as one and as comfortably as possible. I feel bad for the horse and don't want to expect too much or cause a stiff unhappy horse. I suppose we should just take our time and if I keep it consistent I will hopefully see a noticeable improvement and strengthening.
Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?717895-Staying-on-the-bit#b4A4wkD5fWKhy3t8.99

 

[[114608]]

I fin as they are learning you 1) have to find the balance between asking again every time they drop you and nagging, and 2) being consistent with the way you are asking. It feels like your working a lot but slowly the periods at which she can sustain it become longer and its in these moments you can be quiet

Thanks for your input. I always try to be consistent in the way I ask and ensure there is a release of pressure when the horse gives what I am looking for. I look forward to hopefully noticing improvements and strengthening as well as longer periods between when I have to ask for it again. Thanks again

 

[Pigeon]

It might be easier to work on this out hacking on a straight line, as she will have more natural energy and direction.

It does take a while for them to be strong enough to travel uphill consistently, I would try working her in a stretch, and then picking her up for a few strides (as long as it's good quality it only needs to be a few seconds) and then letting her stretch again. Being forward and off the leg is definitely the first step!!